I shot of that part of the schematic (outlane switches and center kick out hole switch) might help us here.

As I remember it, they are one in the same. The "When lit" part is always lit except when the score motor is turning. I don't remember the outlanes being an alterator function? In fact, as I remember it, the center hole even kicks at the end of the collect cycle even if there is no ball in it.

Once the Bonus "Scan" has begun, I don't see how the outlanes could differ from the center kick out hole unless it is related to the ball keeping the switch closed (thereby insuring that a relay doesn't not drop out permaturely). If it is similar to other Gottlieb bonus scan designs, there is often a CAM switch on the bonus stepper unit. This switch keeps the cycle running until it gets to its zero position. Depending on the number of bonus to score determines how many cam valleys there are on the backlite cam. I think 15 and 16 target games only have 2 valleys. So the switch should normally be closed (and stay closed) through all 16 steps of the bonus unit. Watch it for arcing. That is a sure sign of a switch that is only partially making good contact.

I have a High Hand machine and the outside lanes score 100 points for each target or 1000 points for each target if the whole bank is dropped. Once all 16 targets are down the specials light and alternate between the outlanes and the kickout hole.
Are you getting 1000 points for dropped targets only some of the time? If so, open the machine and see if the dropped targets are all the way down when hit. See if the springs are pulling them all the way down when they are hit softly. Sometimes they go down but the springs are week or the switches are misadjusted causing to much friction for them to go all the way down freely. Push on the bottom of each target a little and see if it returns too the fully down position or is it getting hung up on the switches or just feels mushy.

_{Post edited by PinballTom113: spelling error}

Did you check /clean/ adjust the actual switches?

Check/clean bonus unit? Not an expert, just trying to keep it simple for now.

I'm not seeing the rollover switches on that part of the schematic?

Ah, is that what that tiny text says there?

Yep, they sure do look wired in parallel (along with the hole switch).

So you're saying that a direct close of either of those two switches sometimes results in no scoring at all? And clearly you've checked the switches themselves, so the next thing to maybe consider would be the wiring. The wire from both of those switches may converge on the underside of the playfield, so share a common solder spot (wires twisted together). Or, they may run to a jones plug to get from the playfield to the relay?

Try a jump wire from one of the rollover switch to points along that path (up to and including the relay), and see where the intermittent disappears, then isolate from there.

Okay, so question: What happens if you just tap the center hole switch but don't actually let a ball sit in it? Does it malfunction like the side lanes or does it still score perfectly?

Glad you got your issue resolved! I think High Hand is one of the best EM's I've played. Can you tell me if the Pop Bumber on your machine is lit all the time? Seems like mine is on all the time.
Enjoy your High Hand machine, I have mine set at a very steep angle for very fast play. I love mine!

Thanks,
PinballTom113

_{Post edited by PinballTom113: grammer}

The pop bumper will be lit all the time the score motor isn't running (the "when lit" aspect is there to reflect that pop bumper hits won't score when the score motor is busy reacting to other events).

Thank you DirtFlipper and Wayner, I know what you mean about the center drain. Mine also tands to drain down the sides more tham it should too. I may bend the rails outwards a bit to see if that makes a difference.

I gotta get back to work on my High hand!
Cab is stripped, waiting for some warmer weather to paint in. Need to order the stencils.....

Finally got my warm weather & time to paint. Cab & head done, used 2-pack auto clear on very worn playfield. Got it all back together & am working out a few bugs. Almost there! I was wondering about that pop bumper light...

pics to follow.